Charlotte Poires / Chocolat
A delightful dessert that combines chocolate and poached pears, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Total Time: 150 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 medium ripe pears (Bosc or Bartlett)
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 cups water
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 200g dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ladyfinger cookies (or sponge cake)
- Cocoa powder or chocolate shavings (for garnish)
Instructions
- Peel and core the pears, leaving them whole. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, water, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Carefully add the pears to the pot, ensuring they are fully submerged. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20–30 minutes until tender.
- Remove the pears from the pot and place them on a wire rack to cool, reserving the poaching liquid for later.
- Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. Allow it to cool slightly.
- Whisk the eggs until frothy, then slowly add the melted chocolate to the eggs, mixing gently.
- Whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold it into the chocolate mixture until combined.
- Line a round cake pan or mold with plastic wrap. Layer ladyfingers at the bottom, followed by chocolate mousse and sliced pears. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Cover the mold with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Remove the charlotte from the mold, dust with cocoa powder or sprinkle chocolate shavings on top. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
Choose ripe pears for the best texture. Ensure to chill the dessert thoroughly before serving.